Cocktail revolution behind the Iron Curtain

An article titled “The post-Soviet cocktail revival” appeared in Drinks International magazine: Alia Akkam, a writer living in Budapest, took readers on an exciting gastronomic journey through the region.

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2025/8-9.

Cocktail culture was unknown or marginalised for a long time after the Cold War, but by now it has exploded thanks to creativity, the search for national identity and international connections. In Prague the Alma restaurant and bar shows what the new generation is capable of: homemade pastis, pickled cherries and tomato liqueur – these are the ingredients of the Yarrow & Famous cocktail. The Balkan region is developing particularly strongly: Null Social Lab in Belgrade integrates local flavours such as quince brandy and green walnut liqueur into its drinks. In Budapest Zoltán Nagy started a revolution back in 2008, with the opening of Boutiq’ Bar. He rejected rigid, classic cocktail book-style menus and has built on playful, fresh ingredients.